Diplomatic row set aside at Moffat literary conference

DIPLOMATIC differences are off the agenda this weekend as Annandale and Eskdale hosts distinguished academics from Russia.

And delegates at a three-day literary conference entitled ‘Poets and Power’ raised glasses with their native toast ‘Na Zdorovie’ on Thursday afternoon while sampling new-made spirit at Annandale Distillery.

Almost 40 visitors from across the Russian Federation, including professors from major universities, are joining colleagues from the UK and other western countries for a packed programme of lectures, discussions and entertainment.

The gathering reflects an historic link between the conference venue Moffat and the former communist state — the 20-year-old Grand Duke Nicholas, later Tsar of Russia, wrote warmly about his 1816 stay in the town.

Five great 20th century Russian poets featured at the conference, include Boris Pasternak of Dr Zhivago fame, Anna Akhmatova, Nikolai Gumilyev, Marina Tsvetaeva and Osip Mandelstam, who operated under close scrutiny from the Stalin regime.

This relationship between poet and state will be explored during sessions. Alan Riach and Callum Rodger recounts the experiences of Langholm-born Hugh McDiarmid and Ian Hamilton Finlay, who had differences with UK ‘powers that be.’

Annan-based organiser Alan Thomson said: “We are pleased to have the involvement of seven undergraduate students this year funded by the Institute of Translation in Moscow and an anonymous local donor.”

CULTURAL VISIT . . . members of the Russian delegation with Annandale Distillery guide Carolyn Hashimoto, fifth from left

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Next issue published Friday 23rd March 2018.